“If I ever go looking for my heart’s
desire again, I won’t look any further than
my own backyard.”—Dorothy Gale, The
Wizard of Oz

THE LESSON THAT Dorothy brought
back from her journey through Oz was
(Technicolor extravaganza aside), “the grass
isn’t always greener over there.”

When searching far afield to make travel
plans, we often overlook just how much is in
our own country’s backyard. From coast to
coast, the famous historical and natural
marvels throughout the United States are
plentiful, accessible and affordable.

The spectacular landscapes of our country’s national parks, such as Grand Teton,
Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Zion, are
rich with majesty, pristine settings and
extraordinary wildlife. Mount Rushmore
has lost none of its ability to awe. The historic backbone of our country, from
Washington, D.C., to Philadelphia to Boston,
is coupled with stunning natural beauty.
There is just so much history—natural and
man-made—to see, touch and experience.

Costco Travel, Trafalgar andescorted tours

The thought of loading up the car and
trundling across hundreds of miles in
unfamiliar states, repeatedly stopping for
directions, spending long hours in the car
and behind the wheel, and paying for parking and gas can make the decision to take a
guided tour fairly easy.

Given the comforts and amenities provided on the tours available through Costco
Travel and Trafalgar Tours, the choice is a

no-brainer. Each tour offers unique highlights and exclusive Costco additions while
consistently offering Trafalgar’s exceptional
service. This includes sightseeing, accommodations, transportation, baggage handling, select meals and the services of a
professional Tour Director who acts as
leader, guide, historian, concierge and overall tour expert from beginning to end.

Transportation is in deluxe air-conditioned motor coaches, and the itineraries
include the most popular and important
highlights. All of the details are organized
for you. No need to worry about or research
entry hours, admission costs and other
requirements of certain historic sights.
Entry fees are included—you get to sail past
the lines and get the most out of the visit.
And extra highlights are included in each
itinerary that you might not experience (or
even find out about) on your own.

First-class accommodations await you
at the end of each busy day. You’re delivered
to the doorstep of your hotel to rest and
prepare for the next day’s exciting sights.

Best of all, the package price is usually
better—up to 30 percent better—than if
you booked and paid for each component
separately.

In many cases, members can save even
more when they combine their Costco
Travel savings with Trafalgar’s variety of
discounts for returning passengers, early
payment, young travelers, groups and those
booking two or more tours back-to-back.
It’s certainly worth asking a Costco Travel
Trafalgar specialist.

So, by visiting our own country’s backyard with Costco Travel, you pay less, you
work less, and you get more.

It’s the American dream. C

The Costco Connection

Costco Travel and Trafalgar offer a full program of outstanding
escorted vacations throughout the United States and Canada.
Costco Travel also offers escorted European vacations covering
nearly all of the continent’s diverse countries and cultures.
For more on reservations, inquiries and assistance, call
1-877-849-2730 toll-free, or visit Costco.com and click on “Travel.”

PHOTODISC

DISCOVER AMERICA Buyer’s Choice New England Fall Colors Added values include a Tastes of Vermont excursion, a stay at the Von Trapp Family Lodge with a meet-and-greet by a Von Trapp family member, and a genuine New England Farewell Lobster Dinner. SEVEN–NIGHT PACKAGE from $1,495per person* Valid for travel 9/24/10 –10/1/10.

Buyer’s Choice Historic America Special extras include a walking tour in Philadelphia’s historic district, an Amish-style Be My Guest dinner with wine and traditional baking experience, and more. SEVEN–NIGHT PACKAGE from $1,529per person* Valid for travel 7/9/10 –7/16/10. Kirkland Signature™ Wild West Adventure Exclusive Costco member values of more than $400 per person include Mount Rushmore by night, an 1880s steam train excursion, a Badlands National Parks excursion and one night at an authentic working dude ranch. NINE–NIGHT PACKAGE from $1,595per person* Valid for travel 5/8/10 –5/17/10.

Executive Member Bene;t:
$35 Costco Cash Card
(one per booking)

For details on these and other Trafalgar
tours, visit Costco.com or call Costco
Travel toll free at 1-877-849-2730.

*Price is per person based on double occupancy, land only. Price is
valid for travel as speci;ed and is valid for new bookings only. Price
and inclusions are subject to change without notice. Cancellation
and change fees might apply. Travel purchases are not included
in the Executive Membership 2% Reward program. Availability
and restrictions might apply. All prices are in U.S. dollars. Costco
Travel disclaims liability for any inaccuracies or typographical errors.
Costco Travel is registered as a seller of travel
in each of the states listed: California registration number: CST 2054248 - 50 ; Florida registration
number: ST 32555 ; Hawaii registration number: TAR
5595 ; Iowa registration number: TA 620 ; Nevada
Seller of Travel registration number: 2007 - 0060 ;
Washington registration number: WST 602042600.
Registration as a California Seller of Travel does not
constitute approval by the state. 10TR0302 11/09